The Tennessee Supreme Court has named Gov. Bill Haslam's top legal advisor, Herbert Slatery, the state's next attorney general.
The high court made the announcement this morning in Nashville.
Slatery, of Nashville, has served as Haslam's chief counsel since 2011. Prior to that, he was an attorney at a Knoxville law firm for 30 years.
“He is an excellent lawyer with proven leadership ability and sound judgment,” said Chief Justice Sharon Lee. “He has played an important role in drafting major legislation during the current term and has worked closely with all branches of government. The people of the state of Tennessee can be proud to have someone of his caliber and experience representing them.”
Tennessee is the only state where the high court names the attorney general.
Slatery was selected among six finalists including incumbent AG Bob Cooper, state Sen. Doug Overbey, courts administrator Bill Young and private attorneys Gino Bulso of Nashville and Mark Fulks of Johnson City.
Slatery is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Tennessee College of Law. He has served as counsel to Governor Bill Haslam since 2011. Before serving in the Governor’s office, he practiced law for 30 years with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead and Davis in Knoxville.
His appointment is effective immediately.
